With the ever-increasing popularity of podcasts, an increasing number of artists and content creators are choosing it as a medium for sharing their ideas and creativity. Hence, we get multiple inquiries asking which is the best laptop for podcasting under $500? While choosing budget-friendly devices is easy, finding the ideal machine that suits your budget, while providing the ideal price to performance ratio can be quite tricky.

Hence, we have curated a list of the best laptops for podcasting under $500 that can help you with various tasks such as recording, editing, listening, and uploading them onto your preferred platform. Let us begin.

Table Of Contents

Our Top 3 Recommendations: Best Laptops For Podcasting Under $500

What You Need For Best Laptops For Podcasting Under $500

Processor

Since podcasting doesn’t require much processing power, we can get away with a basic CPU for a podcasting laptop. Since we have set the maximum budget of $500 for this article, we have included a variety of options from the basic Intel Celeron series to the powerful Intel Core series.

Memory

It is a fact that podcasting requires very less RAM usage. Since 4 GB has become the golden standard for modern everyday computing, that is where we will start. However, there are some excellent laptops that provide 8 GB of RAM under $500 and hence, we have included them in this list for maximizing your cost effectiveness.

Storage

Once again, SSD has your back in the storage department since podcasting doesn’t have any specific storage requirements. However, since you are buying a laptop in 2023, it would be foolish not to go for a dedicated storage with at least 128 GB of space. You may also opt for 256 GB or even 512 GB SSD, depending on your requirements.

Graphics

Since graphics is not much of a concern with podcasts, you can opt for the basic GPU which is integrated with your CPU. It will provide you with adequate performance, unless you are trying to edit videos or watch videos in 4K. An integrated GPU is also good for your battery backup as it will take a very less amount of juice compared to a similar laptop with a dedicated GPU.

Display

Once again, as podcasting requires only audio, having a decent display is the only requirement. Hence, you can choose either a 14” or 15.6” display laptop with either HD or FHD display. Similarly, the basic refresh rate of 60 Hz will be more than adequate to keep the laptop running smoothly while you are editing audio files.

Battery

The battery is another significant component of the laptop since it is what makes the laptop ‘portable’. However, being tied down to a power outlet beats this purpose and you would be better off with a desktop. Hence, always check the battery capacity and the charging capacity of the laptop. Modern systems charge quickly and having that extra bit of computing anywhere ability ensures that you upload your podcast on time, every time.

6 Best Laptops For Podcasting Under $500 In 2023 : Top Picks in One Guide!

RankPictureNameShops
#1

Lenovo IdeaPad 1

  • Brand: Lenovo
  • Series: Lenovo Ideapad 1 (14″, intel)
Lenovo IdeaPad 1Price
#2

Acer Aspire 5 

  • Brand: Acer
  • Series: Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5 Price
#3

ASUS VivoBook 15

  • Brand: ASUS
  • Series: VivoBook 15
ASUS VivoBook 15Price
#4

HP 14 Laptop

  • Brand: HP
  • Series: 14-fq1021nr
Price
#5

HP 15 Laptop

  • Brand: HP
  • Series: HP Laptop 15-dy2021nr
HP 15 LaptopPrice
#6

HP 2022 Newest 14

  • Brand: HP
  • Series: Hp
HP 2022 Newest 14Price

Best Laptops For Podcasting Under $500 : ( Guide & Reviews 2023)

Lenovo IdeaPad 1

Lenovo Ideapad

Specifications:

  • Brand: Lenovo
  • Series: Lenovo Ideapad 1 (14″, intel)
  • Screen Size: 14 Inches
  • Color: Ice Blue
  • Hard Disk Size: 64 GB
  • CPU Model: Celeron N4020
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 4 GB
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Lenovo IdeaPad 1

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is one of the most basic laptops you can buy right now. It has the basic specifications required to run Windows operating system and hence, it earns a place in this list. Being an entry-level model, Lenovo has equipped the laptop with an Intel Celeron N4020 CPU, 4 GB of DDR4 RAM, 64 GB of eMMC 5.1 storage and an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU.

Lenovo has also equipped the laptop with a 14” narrow-bezel HD display, which fulfills the basic requirements of consuming HD content. It is also ideal for editing podcasts since the applications require very basic display specifications. Being a 14” device, it is extremely portable due to the 3.09 lbs. weight and less than 1” thickness. Lenovo ships the laptop with Windows 11 in S-Mode for added security. Additionally, the laptop boasts of Dolby Audio and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, along with the standard port selection found on laptops at this price point.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly Pricing
  • Dolby Audio
  • Excellent Battery Life

Cons

  • No Number Pad
  • Limited Storage

Final Verdict

  • Lenovo IdeaPad
    If you are looking for a laptop that is easy on the budget and can provide a decent experience for undertaking podcast-related tasks, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is the ideal laptop for you. Being a power-efficient CPU, the laptop also has an impressive 8 hours of battery backup, making it an excellent choice from a portability standpoint.
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Acer Aspire 5 

Acer Aspire 5

Specifications:

  • Brand: Acer
  • Series: Aspire 5
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Silver
  • Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
  • CPU Model: Ryzen 3 3200U
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 4 GB
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Acer Aspire 5 

The Acer Aspire 5 is another excellent choice for budget-friendly podcast editing. Being a part of the excellent Aspire line-up, Acer has equipped the laptop with a dual-core AMD Ryzen 3 – 3200U CPU with up to 3.5 GHz clock speed, 4 GB of DDR4 RAM, 128 GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, and an integrated AMD Vega 3 Graphics processing unit.

Acer has also provided the laptop with a 15.6” narrow-bezel LED-backlit FHD IPS LCD display, which is more than enough for podcasting. It also consists of Acer Color Intelligence and Acer BlueLightShield technologies to provide additional accessibility. Additionally, Acer has also provided a dedicated fingerprint reader for Windows Hello security and a backlit keyboard for an enhanced user experience. Speaking of security, Acer has also provided Windows 10 in S Mode, which can be easily upgraded to Windows 11. Additionally, Acer is promising battery backup of up to 7.5 hours under ideal conditions.

Pros

  • Good Performance
  • Fingerprint Security
  • Backlit Keyboard

Cons

  • Average Battery Life
  • No SD Card Slot

KEY POINTS

  • Acer Aspire 5
    The Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent choice for everyday computing, which translates to being one of the best laptops for podcasting. Acer has equipped the laptop with excellent specifications for the price and provided additional features in the form of the backlit keyboard and fingerprint sensor for added security, making it a great choice for any user.
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ASUS VivoBook 15

ASUS Vivobook 14

Specifications:

  • Brand: ASUS
  • Series: VivoBook 15
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Slate Grey
  • Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
  • CPU Model: Core i3
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 4 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Card Description: Integrated
  • Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
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ASUS VivoBook 15

The Asus VivoBook 15 is another excellent choice for podcasting since it has a powerful processor combined with modern aesthetics. The VivoBook series is renowned for producing outstanding value for money laptops and Asus continues the streak with this machine as well. Being an everyday computing device, Asus has equipped the laptop with a 10th Gen Intel Core i3 – 1005G1 CPU with TurboBoost up to 3.4 GHz, 4 GB of DDR4 RAM, 128 GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, and an integrated Intel UHD Graphics Processing Unit.

Asus has also provided a crisp 15.6” NanoEdge IPS FHD display with 83% screen-to-body ratio, to complement the excellent specifications of the machine. The laptop also comes equipped with a fingerprint reader as well as Windows 10 Home in S Mode for added security. The keyboard experience on the laptop is also excellent with 1.4mm key travel and back light to enable typing even in the dark.

Pros

  • Excellent Processor
  • Fingerprint Security
  • Backlit Keyboard

Cons

  • Average Speakers

Final Verdict

  • Asus VivoBook 15
    The Asus VivoBook 15 is a great choice for anyone looking for an ideal companion to undertake their podcasting-related tasks. The laptop is thin and lightweight, enhancing its portability, and comes with Windows 10 in S Mode and a dedicated fingerprint sensor for added security. Combined with an excellent CPU and good battery backup, we can safely recommend it.
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HP 14 Laptop

HP 14

Specifications:

  • Brand: HP
  • Series: 14-fq1021nr
  • Screen Size: 14 Inches
  • Color: Natural Silver
  • Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
  • CPU Model: Ryzen 5
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
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HP 14 Laptop

The HP 14 is one of those laptops that goes under the radar since HP does not categorize it under any specific brand series. However, it is still a great machine, especially considering that our primary target is podcasting jobs. HP has equipped the laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 – 5500U processor with up to 4.0 GHz clock speed, 8 GB or DDR4 RAM running at 3200 MHz, 256GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, and an integrated AMD Radeon GPU.

Being a 14” device, we can forgive the lack of a dedicated number pad. Instead, we are greeted with the excellent 14” micro-edge anti-glare FHD display as soon as we open the laptop lid. HP has provided the laptop with an excellent battery that lasted up to 9 hours 45 minutes under test conditions. Additionally, it comes with HP’s quick charging technology that charges the laptop from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes.

Pros

  • Powerful Processor
  • Added RAM Capacity
  • Thin & Lightweight

Cons

  • Average Speakers

Final Verdict

  • HP 14
    The HP 14 is a great device for podcasting as it is extremely thin and lightweight, making it easier to carry around. The laptop also comes equipped with better battery backup and excellent fast charging capabilities, making it a great choice for podcasting and other everyday computing tasks.
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HP 15 Laptop

HP 15 Laptop

Specifications:

  • Brand: HP
  • Series: HP Laptop 15-dy2021nr
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Silver
  • Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
  • CPU Model: Core i5
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
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HP 15 Laptop

The HP 15 is another exceptional laptop from HP that goes under the radar due to the lack of a series name. However, as with the 14” model, this machine is also a great choice for undertaking podcasting and related tasks. Being an everyday laptop, HP has equipped the machine with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 – 1135G7 CPU with Turbo Boost up to 4.2 GHz, 32 GB of DDR4 RAM running at 2666 MHz, 2 TB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and an integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU.

Additionally, HP has provided a 15.6” micro-edge anti-glare FHD display, which is clear and crisp even when being used outdoors. HP has also provided a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security as well as a 3-cell 42 Wh Li-ion battery with quick charging capabilities, thanks to the 45 W Smart AC power adaptor, which can charge the system from 0 to 50% within 45 minutes.

Pros

  • Exceptional Performance
  • Extended RAM Capacity
  • Fingerprint Security

Cons

  • Average Speakers
  • Only HD webcam

Final Verdict

  • HP 15
    The HP 15 is a thin and lightweight laptop that can be used for multiple purposes apart from podcasting. It has an excellent processor as well as additional RAM which ensures lag-free performance even under heavy workload. As a result, we can easily recommend this to anyone looking for a multitasking-oriented system.
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HP 2022 Newest 14

HP Newest

Specifications:

  • Brand: HP
  • Series: Hp
  • Screen Size: 14 Inches
  • Color: White
  • Hard Disk Size: 64 GB
  • CPU Model: AMD A Series
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
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HP 2022 Newest 14

We added the newest model of the HP 14 as it provides additional value for your money, considering that it is a 2022 model. Both models of HP 14 are excellent performers and hence, we decided to include both versions due to the difference in the price and specifications. HP has equipped the newer HP 14 model with an AMD 3020e CPU with a Max Boost clock of 2.6 GHz, 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, a combined storage of 64 GB eMMC chip and a 128 GB PCIe NVMe SSD, as well as an integrated AMD Radeon GPU.

Additionally, HP has equipped the laptop with a 14” micro-edge WLED-backlit BrightView LCD IPS HD display, which provides the best combination of specifications and clear crisp images. The thin and lightweight laptop is also highly portable, thanks to a gross weight of just 3.24 pounds and 0.71-inch thickness. Moreover, the 3-cell 41 Wh Li-ion battery guarantees that the lab-tested 10.5 hours of battery backup will translate well into the real world.

Pros

  • Excellent Performance
  • Good Price-to-Performance
  • Thin & Lightweight

Cons

  • Average Speakers

Final Verdict

  • HP 14
    The 2022 model of the HP 14 is another excellent choice if you are looking for the best laptop for podcasting. It is a budget-friendly option, while also being a 2022 model, as it comes equipped with the AMD E series CPU and dual-storage. The 14” laptop is also well-built, and as a result, we can easily recommend it.
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FAQS

What laptops are best for podcasting?

Podcasting does not require much processing power. Hence, we can choose a basic laptop, download the required audio recording and streaming software, and we are good to go. As you can observe from this article, we have curated and provided a list of the best laptops for podcasting under $500 in this article and you can choose any of these excellent machines to carry out your podcasting activities.
If you are buying a laptop solely for the purpose of podcasting, you can get a basic machine such as the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 that we have reviewed in this blog. It may be inadequate for multitasking though, and we would suggest something like the HP 15 to ensure a smooth performance.

How much RAM do I need for podcasting?

Podcasting requires very less memory usage. 4 GB has become the standard for everyday computing nowadays, and hence, it is a good place to start. However, if you have a budget of $500, we suggest that you opt for some of the options with 8 GB of RAM from this list as it will maximise your cost effectiveness.
8 GB of RAM will also ensure that you can undertake multitasking without the laptop freezing or lagging. It will ensure effortless performance even under load, provided you have opted for either Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU.

Can you record a podcast on a laptop?

Yes, it is very easy to record a podcast on a laptop. While you can get away with recording it on a smartphone, it will not have the processing power to edit it correctly. Additionally, modern laptops also come with omni-directional mics as well as modern software enhancements such as active noise cancellation and background noise detection. Such extra features ensure a faster record and edit time.
Additionally, by recording podcasts on a laptop, you can straightaway get into editing it without the hassle of having to copy the same from your phone to laptop. Similarly, you get much more advanced features in a Windows or Mac OS-based laptop software than any smartphone app.

Which laptop is best for audio recording?

For recording audio, you require a professional mic. However, professional level mics are costly and laptop mics have multiple other advantages when compared to a pro-level mic. Hence, you can choose any laptop with a decent mic and get started. 
However, there are some laptops such as the excellent MacBook Pro and Microsoft Surface line up which comes with an array of omni-directional mics that help with active noise cancellation and similar features. When it comes to laptop mics, the software also plays an important part since there are multiple kinds of editing that can be applied to the recorded audio to remove any noise from it.

Conclusion

This carefully curated list of the best laptops for podcasting under $500 seems to be skewed towards HP since there are 3 HP laptops in the list. However, we assure you that we have included the best laptops that we could find, based on the specifications, usage scenario and the price range.

We started the list with the basic Lenovo IdeaPad 1 as it is the most budget-friendly option. We moved on to the Acer Aspire 5 and the Asus VivoBook 15 as these laptops provide the best combination of excellent specifications and pricing. Finally, we discussed two different versions of the HP 14 and the HP 15 to round off the list with laptops that have the best specifications for the price.